1.1 Apologies for absence were accepted from Parish Councillor, Mr Oakley, and District Councillor, Mr Rose.

2.1 The Chairman declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 16.

3.1 The minutes of the above meeting were approved and duly signed as a correct record with no amendments. A copy of the approved minutes will be uploaded onto the Parish Council website.

4.1 The Clerk provided a written report to Councillors prior to the meeting and summarised some of the key points. The Clerk reported that a response had been received from BT regarding the adoption of phone boxes. The Council felt that pursuing adoption would be the best option now. This was proposed by Mr Eady and seconded by Mr Turner. The Clerk was asked to write to Val Goulding regarding renovation of the phone box. Future details regarding this subject will be discussed by the Special Projects Working Group.

5.1 Update from the Amenities Working Group – The Amenities Working Group did not meet during January. Mrs Smith reported that all of the new compost bins had been handed over to the allotment holders.

5.2 Update from the Management Working Group – Four out of the five group members met during January. It was agreed that the working group terms of reference document should be re-drafted with the group’s suggestions. The Clerk will make the amendments and circulate in draft form to councillors. It was also agreed by the Council that changes to the appraisal process were needed and will be looked at prior to the Clerk’s next appraisal (due in December). The Clerk will look into item 3 from the group’s notes and report back to the group. It was also agreed that the Management Working Group would meet at the Methodist Church Room in future, unless otherwise agreed.

5.3 Seeking the advice of the Special Projects Group concerning a village survey – This item was taken under item 6.

5.4 Update on progress on the Emergency Planning document – Mrs Smith and Mr Turner, who had attended the last meeting of the newly formed group, had hoped that the group would meet again soon. Mr Turner will contact Mr Onassis.

5.5 Changes to the Burial Fees at Burgh Lane Cemetery – Mr Norton provided information to the Management Working Group regarding possible changes to the fees charged. The Group recommended adoption of the new fees which were presented at the meeting. The new fees were unanimously agreed and the Clerk will advertise the information on the website and inform funeral directors.

5.6 Additional actions for the Clerk – The Clerk was asked to send the Freedom of Information document to all councillors and provide guidance on data protection.

6.1 The Chairman introduced item 5.3: to consider seeking the advice of the Special Projects Group concerning a village survey. It was agreed that all councillors should be offered the opportunity to attend a brainstorming meeting to be held in March.

7.1 It was agreed that the Clerk should book South Green Park as the venue and organise three speakers for the event. Ideas were given at the meeting.

• One member of the public agreed with the Council’s decision to adopt the BT phone box.

8.1 Results of applications considered by Breckland Council: None.

8.2 New applications (comments sent to Breckland District Council):

8.3 Other planning items – Nothing to report.

9.1 Update on the project – Mr Norton reported that 2 or 3 Trustees will be attending a Heritage Lottery Surgery this month. They have also been looking at a feasibility study regarding costs of the project and a valuation of the building.

10.1 Consideration of grant to the Memorial Hall – Further information had been received. Mrs Smith proposed a grant of £350 towards the hall’s kitchen refurbishment. This was seconded by Ms Brown and agreed by all.

10.2 CiLCA resubmission fee – The Council agreed to pay for the CiLCA resubmission fee (around £55).

10.2 Payment of accounts – The following accounts were proposed by Mr Turner, seconded by Miss Lee and approved for payment by the Council.
It was agreed to add item 10.1 to this month’s payments.

 

11. Correspondence - Available at the meeting for members to look through.

12. Items for the Handyman – The Clerk will find out what procedures the Handyman needs to follow if working close to the road (i.e. removing moss from the church wall).

13. Items for press release – Nothing to report.

14. Items for the next meeting agenda – Items from Working Groups once they have met.

15. Attendance at February meetings –The Management Working Group will meet on 23 February (to be organised by Ms Brown); the Amenities Working Group will meet on 18 February; the Special Projects Working Group will meet on 22 March to brainstorm on a village survey.

16. Resolution to exclude members of the public and press (under the public bodies admission to meetings Act 1960): To consider tenders received for repairs needed to All Saints wall (for which the Parish Council is responsible) – On a proposal by the Chairman, seconded by Mrs Smith, it was resolved to exclude the public and press due to the financial sensitivity of the above item. The public left the room at 9.00 pm.

The Chairman declared an interest in this item and left the room. Mr Blake took the Chair.

Three quotes were sought for the repair work from local contractors, three quotes were received. Mr Norton proposed that the contract should be awarded to W S Lusher & Son Ltd of Norwich. This was seconded by Mr Turner and agreed by all.

The Chairman returned to the room and closed the meeting at 9.20 pm. The next full Council meeting will be held on Monday 1 March at 7.00 pm, Methodist Church Rooms.